Compass

C5 Skills Bonus: How the Shortage Occupation List Adds Points to Your EP Application

Explains the C5 Skills Bonus under COMPASS, the points it awards, the nationality-share condition, and the extra checks required when the bonus is needed to pass.

Pass & Permit Desk 5 min read

The C5 Skills Bonus is one of two bonus criteria in the COMPASS framework for Employment Pass (EP) applications. It awards points when a candidate’s role matches an occupation on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The bonus can provide up to 20 points toward the 40-point passing threshold.

Points Awarded Depend on Nationality Share

The C5 bonus awards 20 points if the candidate’s job is on the SOL and the candidate’s nationality accounts for less than one-third of the employer’s PMET workforce. The bonus drops to 10 points if the candidate’s nationality share is one-third or more. This nationality-share test uses the passport nationality recorded in Singapore Government records, including Permanent Residents.

You can check your organisation’s nationality share using the Workforce Insights tool on the myMOM Portal.

Requirements to Obtain the Bonus

To receive C5 points, three conditions must be met:

  1. The candidate must perform the job duties listed for the specific SOL occupation.
  2. The employer must select one of the eligible SOL job titles in the EP application.
  3. The candidate must meet additional job-requirement checks if either of the following applies:
    • The candidate needs the SOL bonus points to reach the 40-point COMPASS pass mark.
    • The candidate is applying for a 5-year duration EP for a specific tech occupation on the SOL.

The SOL Employer Guide published by MOM sets out the additional requirements for candidates who need the bonus to pass COMPASS. MOM will verify the candidate’s job duties, past work experience, and qualifications or industry accreditation against the declared occupation.

Redeployment Restrictions Apply When the Bonus Was Necessary

If a candidate needed the SOL bonus to pass COMPASS (or to obtain a 5-year EP), the candidate may only be employed in that specific shortage occupation. This restriction is stated in the “Important” note of the in-principle approval (IPA) letter.

If the employer wants to redeploy the candidate to a different job, the employer must notify MOM first. MOM will then reassess whether the candidate qualifies for an EP in the new role and advise on next steps.

Candidates who did not need the SOL bonus to pass COMPASS are not subject to this restriction, but the employer must still notify MOM of any change in occupation.

Where to Find the Current SOL

The official Shortage Occupation List is published at:

That page also hosts the SOL Employer Guide with the detailed additional requirements. The list is determined by a robust evaluation process that considers industry needs and local workforce development efforts. The list is determined by a robust evaluation process that takes into account industry needs and local workforce development efforts.

Tech.Pass Is Being Replaced by ONE Pass (AI and Tech)

The original article referenced overlap between SOL tech roles and the Tech.Pass scheme. As of the March 2026 Committee of Supply announcement, Tech.Pass will be replaced by a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027.

Key dates:

  • From 28 January 2027: MOM/EDB will no longer accept new or renewal Tech.Pass applications.
  • Existing Tech.Pass holders may remain on their pass until expiry.
  • Eligible Tech.Pass holders can consider applying for the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track or other work passes thereafter.

Tech.Pass eligibility (until phase-out) requires a last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 and at least five cumulative years in a leading role at a qualifying tech company or venture capital firm. The new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) terms have not been published in the provided sources.

How C5 Fits in the COMPASS Score

COMPASS has four foundational criteria (C1–C4) and two bonus criteria (C5 and C6). An application must earn 40 points total to pass. The C5 bonus stacks with points from Salary (C1), Qualifications (C2), Diversity (C3), and Support for Local Employment (C4). It cannot be combined with the C6 Strategic Economic Priorities bonus.

Employers and employment agents should use the enhanced Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check a candidate’s projected COMPASS score before applying.

Official References

Briefs filed under the same topic.